Lost in the city

Fiyero jerked awake as the train stopped forcefully, knocking his head hard against the window.

"Ow!" he yelped, grabbing his head. He glanced out the window and jumped out of his seat. He'd nearly missed his stop! He hurried from the train and paused in the station to gather his bearings. A slight headache was beginning to throb where his temple had hit the glass. He rubbed it absentmindedly and hurried off down the streets of the city.

After walking for some minutes, lost in thought, he paused. He did not recognize his surroundings. He turned his head in all directions, panicking slightly. He had a strong sense of déjà vu and looked over his shoulder, half-expecting to see the Gale Force or that ghost-like cat.

He shook his head, trying to clear it. Perhaps I should have come later. Just then he saw the outline of a church steeple against the moon. The Lurlinist church! He started off quickly in that direction.

As he neared the old storage building, he felt more and more apprehensive. I shouldn't have come. She might be mad. he thought as he approached the door. He tried to calm himself. It's her birthday. I had to.

Reassured, he placed his hand on the handle and slipped inside.

He crept carefully up the stairs and peered into the room, half-expecting something to be amiss. But, there she was, propped up against some pillows and reading a book by candlelight.

He hurried to the bed as she tried to acknowledge that he was there. He threw his arms about her shoulders as he spoke gently, "Happy Birthday."

He drew back from her and realized immediately that something was wrong. She closed her eyes as if pained, and did not respond.

Damn it, Fiyero, way to go he thought, sure he had angered her.

Her eyes opened a little and welled with tears. "Fi- yero…" she sighed, falling against him.

He caught her in his arms before she hit the bed, and laid her against the pillows. His breath stopped in his throat- something was desperately wrong.

Her skin, which normally had a healthy green glow, looked sallow and had an almost whitish tinge to it. Her eyes were closed, and she appeared to not be breathing.

He held her close, anxiously, not sure what to do. He put his ear next to her mouth. He could hear her breath. Faintly.

He pulled back the covers to examine her. Her skin, though the same odd color, appeared to be unbroken. He could see no sign of a wound. At a loss, he suddenly spotted something upon her arm. He leaned in and brought the candle closer to get a better look. There was a series of small white dots running the length of her forearm. He reached his hand up and ran his finger down the length of her arm. She shivered and pulled away from him.

• • • • •

"Elphie?" he whispered.

She forced herself to wake up, opening her eyes. The ceiling spun above her and wouldn't come into focus. She felt a rush of warmth, and leaned over the side of the bed to vomit. Tears stung her eyes as she collapsed back onto the bed, coughing.

She felt fingers brush her hair gently back from her face. She opened her eyes again, trying to collect herself. She could see Fiyero, sliding in and out of focus.

"Fiyero…" she breathed.

"Don't worry, I'm here now," he said, as he wiped away the tears pooling in the corners of her eyes.

She fell back upon the pillows and surrendered to sleep.


Okay, a little depressing and short I know, I am sorry! I had to do it for the story (the sacrifices to be made...). Well, please please, review, so that I know people are reading. Anything you have to say about the story, I would love to hear. That is all, I will be updating in a few days I'm sure.